"We (EU companies) are doing well, but could do better," concluded Joerg Wuttke, the President of the European Union Chamber of Commerce in China, at the launch of the annual European Chamber Business Confidence Survey on Thursday in Beijing.
Wuttke related that EU companies are doing well in an increasingly competitive business environment. They operate "in China and for China," and "not for exports; most of them actually produce in China for the domestic market," said Wuttke.
Additionally, Wuttke expressed that a more open and level market; and a more efficient government in China are expected. Meanwhile, he noted that with the price increase both in material and labor resources, and tougher market competition; not only EU companies, but also Chinese domestic companies, are faced with more challenges.
The survey reveals that EU businesses are generally optimistic about their business performance in China. The optimism is mainly due to the continuing strength of China's economic development and the resulting growth in domestic consumption.
However, many EU businesses are concerned about issues such as a shortage of qualified staff, environmental problems, and WTO obligations. IPR protection, the lack of transparency, and inconsistencies in government regulations are still the main barriers to further investment in China.
Charles-Edouard Bouee, the Managing Director of Roland Berger Strategy Consultants and co-conductor of the survey with the Chamber, explained that in comparison to the previous one, this online survey (of 220 participants) focused primarily on R&D issues, as well as HR issues and the localization of management teams.
The EU Chamber of Commerce in China was founded by 51 European member companies on October 19, 2000. Today, the EU Chamber's membership has increased to more than 1,200. Through regular dialogues between the Chinese and European governments the EU Chamber conveys the operational business concerns of European companies; and suggests improvements to policy-makers.
By People's Daily Online
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